Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Trichomoniasis is found worldwide. In the United States, the highest number of cases are seen in women between age 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore must be transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ between the two groups. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks. In some cases, a man might have burning, itching, or a discharge. Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection. Women with trichomoniasis have a itching and a heavy, foul-smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge.
Women:
Men:
In women: A pelvic examination reveals red blotches vaginal wall or cervix. A wet prep (microscopic examination of discharge) shows the infection-causing organisms in vaginal fluids. A pap smear may also detect the presence of the organism. In men: The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their sexual partners. Men may also be treated if they have ongoing symptoms of urethral burning or itching despite treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
The antibiotic metronidazole is commonly used to cure the infection. You should not drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours after the antibiotics are completed.Use of alcohol with metronidazole can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment has been completed. Sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.
With proper treatment, the outcome is likely to be excellent.
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Reviewer Info: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 10/09/2006 |